Fines from $ 1000: business in New York ordered to accept payment in cash
'24.11.2020'
Vita Popova
In New York, a law has come into force prohibiting businesses from denying customers cash payments. Violators will face fines of $ 1000 or more. The edition writes about it CBSNewYork.
In New York, a new law has come into force prohibiting companies from refusing people who want to pay for services in small bills and coins.
New Yorker Erica Freudenstein decided to buy vegetables and greens at one of the Joe & The Juice chain in Greenwich Village. However, she was faced with the fact that the store does not accept cash for payment. This situation is seen in many coffee shops and shops throughout the city, making life difficult for its residents.
Technically, this is now illegal in New York. However, Grims has found several establishments besides Joe & The Juice that are not yet following the new rule.
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Beginning November 19, New York City restaurants and businesses are required to accept cash as a form of payment. Many of them previously only accepted card or app payments.
The author of the bill, city councilor Ritchie Torres, wanted to end it.
“There are people without access to credit cards. And even if such access is available, there are people, especially elderly New Yorkers, who prefer cash. The choice should belong to the consumer, ”Torres said.
Penalties for breaking the law
The bill was passed by the New York City Council back in January 2020, but has only now entered into force. It prohibits restaurants and other retail establishments from refusing to accept cash for their customers (we are talking about coins and bills up to $ 20).
Violators will be punished: for the first such violation, the amount of the fine reaches $ 1000, then - $ 1500.
Many New Yorkers support this change.
Greenwich Village resident Mimi Vang Olsen said she "absolutely" supports the law.
“We (seniors - Ed.) Are not used to using credit cards all the time,” she said.
The business owner, who asked to remain anonymous, admitted that it was safer for him not to accept cash. He also said that this allows for faster customer service.
Where to complain to consumers
If you are faced with the fact that the seller refuses to accept cash for payment in a store, coffee shop and other enterprises, you can leave a complaint about him. To do this, call 311 or register a complaint with online.
